My husband and I took a weekend trip – just us for once! – to Tequesta, Florida last summer. Tequesta is a small town just north of Jupiter, on the east coast as you start to get into South Florida. While Jupiter is more commercial, Tequesta has an old-world Florida feel.

That’s exactly what we were looking for! We booked a room at the privately-owned Tequesta Palms Inn, a motel with only eight rooms. We loved it! They have great reviews online, and we found them to be 100% true. The room was clean and comfortable, with a small kitchenette area that had a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. There was lots of room, and the property was quiet yet had easy access to everything we wanted to do.

There are lots of things to do in Tequesta, from outdoor pursuits to fine dining. Tequesta restaurants are incredible! Read on to find out more about our adventure-filled weekend.

Day 1 – Friday

We live in central Florida, so the drive down took about 2 hours, mostly on I-95, but after cutting over, the rest was on US-1. Our first stop was to check out Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, just north of Tequesta. I knew it was a popular location for birdwatching and I wanted to get a feel for it.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Florida state parks have a small admission fee, which we paid at the entrance. We then made our way to the “majestic” Hobe Mountain. At 86 feet tall, Hobe Mountain is the highest point in South Florida. Needless to say, you don’t need to train to reach the top of it!

Hobe Mountain is actually an ancient sand dune. Climbing it just involves walking on a boardwalk and climbing some stairs to the lookout tower. But you get a really nice view of the surrounding land from this viewpoint.

We didn’t see many birds here, but it wasn’t the best time of day, either. The park is quite large, with several areas for camping, which seemed popular. In fact, the state park website says it’s ranked #2 for RV camping. Near the campgrounds, the park has access to the Loxahatchee River, which is popular for kayaking. canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, all of which you can rent at the park.

You can also take a boat tour to see more of the area and learn some history in the area, such as the shipwrecked merchant for whom the park is named, and Vince “Trapper” Nelson, known as Tarzan of the Loxahatchee, who founded a zoo nearby that was shut down in 1960.

I definitely would like to go back and spend more time exploring the park in a more leisurely fashion. On this trip, we left after about an hour, so we could check into the hotel and then proceed to dinner.

Date Night Dinner at Andalucía Tapas Bar & Restaurant

We had made advance reservations at Andalucía Tapas Bar & Restaurant for dinner. My husband was super excited about it, and they did not disappoint! We were greeted by their friendly staff on arrival, who immediately showed us to our table. We ordered drinks and then began to peruse the menu. It took awhile to decide because everything looked so good!

In case you’re not familiar with them, tapas are small plates meant to be shared. They originated in Andalucia, Spain, and were originally meant to place on top of your wine glass to prevent flies from getting in it while patrons were slowing sipping their drinks. Here’s a great post on the origins of tapas!

Pete’s favorite dish was the Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, shown above. I don’t love peppers, but this was certainly the best pepper dish I’d ever eaten! My favorite was the Montadito Solomillo, which is filet mignon, manchego cheese, caramelized onions, and honey walnuts on toast, shown below.

We also had Montaditos Tomaka, Patatas Bravas, and for dessert, both the dulce de leche empanadas and chocolate lava cake. Absolutely everything we tried was amazing!

The restaurant also serves some full-size plates, and has incredible-looking paellas.

Tequesta Brewing Co.

I love visiting breweries, so our last stop of the night was Tequesta Brewing Company. I was excited to see that this small town had their own brewery!

I tried two brews this evening, and we stopped by back quickly on Saturday as well, where I had a third. Gnarly Barley was my favorite; it’s a hazy double IPA. My husband enjoyed the seltzer they had on tap as well. I didn’t write down the name, but it was a guest tap.

Inside is kind of dark and bar-like rather than pub-like; I didn’t much care for it. But they have a porch out front that we enjoyed much more. The atmosphere was casual and the other patrons seemed friendly, too. All in all, I’m glad we stopped in!

Day 2 – Saturday

Breakfast at Bagel Bistro

The next morning we had a kayak tour scheduled, so we left early and stopped at Bagel Bistro for breakfast. It’s a counter-service restaurant featuring bagels (obviously!) as well as omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and crepes. It was a perfect spot for a quick bite, and I have to give them kudos because their bagel with lox was excellent! South Florida is probably second only to NYC for a good bagel with lox.

Clear Kayaking Tour

After breakfast, we headed toward the lighthouse, specifically Cato’s Bridge, for our clear kayak tour. We had scheduled a tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking, and after taking this tour, we can say they’re an awesome company to work with!

This far south, the Intracoastal Waterway has great visibility, so getting to paddle a clear kayak is super fun. I always enjoy being out on the water, but this was a brand-new experience.

We were able to see lots of marine life both through the clear boat itself and looking off the sides of the boat. We saw a gorgeous green sea turtle right beside our kayak! We also saw starfish and sea stars, fighting conch, moon jellyfish, and in the mangroves, both great blue and little blue herons.

Water sports are a big part of Florida life, as evidenced by the other people out enjoying the intracoastal. We saw people fishing, paddleboarding, boating, and even free swimming.

Lunch at Bellini’s Eatery

Kayaking for a couple of hours really worked up our appetites! So we headed to Bellini’s Eatery for lunch. I was craving pizza and Bellini’s really came through. They had a number of different kinds and you can order by the slice, so you can get more than once. They also have wings, burgers, sandwiches, and Italian entrees.

Blowing Rocks and Coral Cove Park

We had kayaked in the intracoastal during the morning, but we still hadn’t gotten out to see the beach. I really wanted to go to Blowing Rocks Preserve. It was really crowded, unfortunately, so Pete idled in the car while I walked through to the beach to check it out.

Blowing Rocks is a Nature Conservancy property on the coast in Jupiter. When the tide comes in, it hits the large coquina rocks and the water sprays upwards. It’s quite a display! (OK I decided to hit Google and make sure they are coquina rocks. They’re actually Anastasia limestone, but it seems to have some relation to coquina. If you’re reading this and know anything about rocks, please explain this to me!)

If you want to go to Blowing Rocks, I’d suggest arranging to do it earlier. We talked about going back on Sunday morning, but decided against it. Parking is limited and if you can’t get a spot, you can’t go. So do a better job of prioritizing it than we did!

After we left Blowing Rocks, we went south again to Coral Cove Park. It’s a county park with a picnic area, a playground, and of course, the beach! I think this beach might be better at low tide, though. We were close to high tide and there wasn’t much beach – and the sand was HOT. There are a lot of rocks here too, so it’s not good for swimming or body surfing. But it’s beautiful and I’m glad we stopped by.

Dinner at PapiChulo Tacos

After the beach, we went back to our lodgings to get cleaned up for dinner. We had a little time to spare, so we sat outside in the little seating area at the motel. It was a beautiful afternoon and a nice way to chill out after our busy but fun morning.

For dinner, we choose PapiChulo Tacos. Yum! They are known for their street tacos, which come in a variety of styles with different meats and various toppings. The puerco and barbacoa ones were our favorites. And their street corn was so good! And their margaritas were unique and fun; they’re served with an orchid on top. I got the El Dorado, which has blackberries and basil. Pete went with the Papi Rita, a classic lime margarita. Both were delicious.

We really liked the atmosphere and décor too. PapiChulo is a fun place!

DuBois Park

After dinner we drove around Jupiter for a bit. We went by Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf, but it was packed, so we didn’t stop. (There’s one in Cocoa Beach too, so we don’t feel like we missed out.) We ended up at DuBois Park, which was really nice! It has a great view of the lighthouse. The DuBois pioneer home on the premises has been preserved and they offer tours of the building. It wasn’t open this late in the day, but we enjoyed walking around the property too.

Day 3 – Sunday

Breakfast

We cheated on Sunday and went to Starbucks in nearby Jupiter. We had decided to head back home rather than spending part of Sunday in the area as well. However, we did stop for a hike before completely checking out for the day!

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

Hobe Sound NWR was on our way home, so we planned to stop and hike and hopefully see some birds too. When we got there, we took a quick walk down to the beach first. It wasn’t the ocean, though. At the time I thought it was Peck’s Lake, but I think instead it was another part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Whatever it was, it was easy to get to and the view was worth it; very pretty!

We turned around and went back to the parking lot, then decided to hike the Sand Pine Scrub Nature Trail. It was a fun hike with some surprising elevation changes. Nothing too crazy – this is still south Florida after all – but enough to make it fun! Not a ton of birds, though we got a good look at two pileated woodpeckers, which are always a joy to observe.

Jupiter Lighthouse

You may notice we didn’t go to the Jupiter Lighthouse on this trip. We’d already done that once before, and didn’t feel drawn to do it again. But if it’s your first time there, I highly recommend it too! It’s open to the public and you can climb all the way to the top. Definitely consider working it into your itinerary. Afterwards, you might grab lunch or dinner at Guanabanas, a fun and popular dining location (which we’d also been to before).

3-Day Tequesta, Florida Travel Itinerary

If you’re looking to make your own trip to Tequesta, look no further than this itinerary! It’s almost exactly the same as ours, but for someone who has never visited the area before.

Day 1:

• If driving from the north, stop at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
• Arrival and Hotel Check-in
• Date Night Dinner at Andalucía Tapas Bar
• Drinks at Tequesta Brewing Co.

Day 2:

• Breakfast at Bagel Bistro
• Clear Kayaking Tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking
• Lunch at Bellini’s Eatery
• Visit Coral Cove Park or DuBois Park
• Return to hotel to shower and get ready for dinner
• Dinner at PapiChulo Tacos
• Putt-Putt at Lighthouse Cove, or visit Coral Cove Park or DuBois Park

Day 3:

• Spend time at Blowing Rocks (arrive early to make sure you get parking)
• Brunch at Guanabanas
• Visit (and maybe climb) Jupiter Lighthouse

Conclusion

No matter whether you live a short drive away like we do, or you’re flying in from out of state (or out of country!), Tequesta is certainly a Florida destination you’ll enjoy. You won’t find Orlando’s theme parks or Miami’s nightlife, but the old-world charm of Tequesta is very appealing.

It’s also not far from other major Florida destinations, including the superb shopping areas in South Florida.

Cocoa Beach is a great place to vacation. It lies along the eastern coast of Florida, about halfway between Jacksonville and Miami, and it has a vibrant surf scene. With fun family activities and great restaurants, you’re sure to find lots to entertain everyone in your party.

But let’s face it – you’ve probably come to Florida for the weather, the sunshine, and the beautiful ocean! So if you’re looking to get out into the water, here are some of the best water sports in Cocoa Beach to enjoy on your Florida vacation.

Surfing

Surfing has to be the #1 sport in Cocoa Beach! After all, it’s famous as being the home of champion surfer Kelly Slater, as well as the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop!

Cocoa Beach features decent-sized waves that are easy enough for beginners, but still offer challenges and excitement for surfing veterans. And the warm Gulf Stream waters can be enjoyed year-round.

The community is tight-knit yet open, and there are lots of great places to surf. The most obvious, though the most crowded, is of course the Cocoa Beach Pier. Here you will find locals and tourists all lining up to catch a wave. But as you head south, you’ll find plenty of other beaches for surfing as well, such as at Lori Wilson Park. The beaches along Patrick Space Force Base are excellent and a short 10-15 minute drive south of Cocoa Beach. Go a bit further and you’ll find Satellite Beach and then Melbourne Beach, all with prime surf spots.

If you’re just learning to surf, then lessons might be in order. There are several companies that offer them, including Cocoa Beach Surf School, Ron Jon Surf School, and School of Surf. If you’re coming from out of state or out of country, and can’t bring your own board, then you can rent one from Cocoa Beach Surf Company, A1A Outdoors, and Oceansports World.

Kayaking

Kayaking is another fun watersport and there are tons of places to kayak in, or near, Cocoa Beach. Bring your kayak or rent them locally, and try kayaking the ocean or the intracoastal waterway – known as the Banana and Indian Rivers here in Brevard County – or in the marshes and waterways that make up the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to the north of Cocoa Beach.

Looking for something unique? How about a bioluminescence kayak tour?! Between July and October each year, dinoflagellates in the waters of the Indian and Banana Rivers glow whenever the water is disturbed. Our local comb jellyfish do as well (plus, they don’t sting!). Some places even offer clear kayaks, so you can see the bio through your boat.

Try to plan for these tours when there is little or no moonlight, so the contrast between the glowing creatures and the ambient light is greater.

Some tour companies that offer bioluminescence tours are BK Adventure and Cocoa Kayaking.

Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Stand-up paddleboarding has become all the rage over the last decade. It’s easier than surfing, but not exactly easy to do! And it’s a great workout.

A paddleboard looks like a long surfboard, and can be used in the ocean or the intracoastal, or really just about anywhere. If you’re just starting out, you may want to kneel on the board (and stay in still waters) while you get the hang of it. Later on you cna graduate to standing, and then venture out among the ocean waves, too!

If you paddleboard in the Indian River rather than the ocean, you may even get to see manatees, especially during the winter.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is another popular water sport in Cocoa Beach, especially along the “beachline”, highway 528, between Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach. (Don’t be surprised if you hear locals call it the “beeline”, the highway’s old name. We’re nostalgic!)

Windsurfing involves a sail, similar to one on a sailboat, that’s attached to a special surfboard. Rather than having ocean waves propel you forward, the motion is powered by the wind. This is another great workout in disguise – your arms and shoulders are sure to be tired after a fun day windsurfing!

For lessons and rentals, visit Calema Watersports. They also offering sailing!

Parasailing

Would you prefer to be high over the water, rather than in it? If you’re not afraid of heights, then parasailing is for you!

Parasailing involves getting strapped into this contraption with a parachute attached, then pulled along behind a boat. As the boat accelerates, you’re lifted higher and higher. The views are unmatched! You can even parasail in tandem, so you can enjoy the experience with a friend or loved one. You’ll get to experience the sea with a birds-eye view!

If parasailing in Cocoa Beach sounds like fun, contact Cocoa Beach Parasail. They’re located in nearby Cape Canaveral.

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing is a popular sport, not to mention a great way to catch your dinner! Cocoa Beach’s location on the coast and proximity to the Gulf Stream means there are ample opportunities for deep sea fishing.

Fishing is plentiful year round, and you may catch species such as mackerel, amberjack mahi mahi (dolphin), grouper, cobia, snapper, bonita, cobia (my favorite!), jack, sailfish, or even a shark!

Or, if you prefer, there’s inshore fishing too, where you might catch redfish, trout, snook, tarpon, and black drum.

There are a ton of companies that can take you out fishing, some of which are Sea Leveler, Fin and Fly, and Lagooner. You can find many others on Google.

Jet Ski

Not for the faint of heart, jet skiing is a high-speed adventure kind of water sport. Depending on the model, you may be able to go as fast as 50-70 miles per hour. Adrenaline junkies love this activity because it’s so thrilling and fun, making it one of the most popular Cocoa Beach water sports! If you are vacationing in the area and want to rent a jet ski, check out Cocoa Surf and Ski. In addition to jet skis, they also have boats rentals as well as kayaks, and paddleboards.

Airboat Rides

If you want an experience unique to Florida, then you need to take an airboat ride. I left this for last since it’s not really in Cocoa Beach, but it’s not far either.

If you’re not familiar with airboats, these are a sight to see. Imagine a skiff or small fishing boat with a GIANT fan behind it! The fan propels the boat at high speeds, through tidal creeks and around tight turns. It’s a great way to get out in nature, and to have some adventure too. Different companies have various approaches; I’ve done airboat ride that were all about the speed and thrill, and others that focused more on wildlife and sightseeing. Before you commit, ask what kind of boat tour they provide.

Most airboat rides are done in marshland, so you won’t find them in Cocoa Beach, but a quick trip west of Cocoa (a distinct town from Cocoa Beach) will take you to the waters around the St. John’s River. While on your trip you’ll likely see alligators and turtles, wading birds like egrets and herons, and water-based insects such as dragonflies. The marsh is actually very beautiful, and if you’ve never spent time in it, I highly encourage it.

Companies that do airboat rides close to Cocoa Beach are Instagator, Airboat Rides Melbourne, and Central Florida Airboat Tours.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are tons of options for spending your vacation time on, in, or above the central Florida waters when you visit Cocoa Beach. From the fast and thrilling to the slow and easy, you’re sure to find an enjoyable outing no matter what your preferences are! Cocoa Beach is a wonderful place in Florida to visit, or to live!

If you’ve spent much time on our website, you know how much we value a delicious meal and the right ambiance. Cocoa Beach, Florida is one of our favorite “staycation” towns due to its proximity to our home. So we get a lot of chances to eat out there! Here are some of the best Cocoa Beach restaurants.

1. 4th Street Fillin Station

One of the trendiest (in a good way) restaurants in Cocoa Beach is 4th Street Fillin Station. They have an amazing breakfast/brunch and they’re even open for brekkie 7 days a week. They serve lunch and dinner and everything in between, and they’re open late, too.

The menu is extensive and has something for everyone. If you’re in the mood for tacos, sandwiches, burgers, or salads, you can’t beat them. There’s just so much to choose from! My favorite dishes are the avocado toast and jammer biscuit for breakfast, and their bulgogi tacos for lunch or dinner. Speaking of bulgogi, the 4th Street Bloody (Mary) is superb, and it has bulgogi sauce in it. (Bulgogi is a Korean dish of marinated beef.)

Beer, wine, and mixed drinks are available all day long, so whether you want a mimosa with brunch, a craft beer, or something harder, they’ve got you covered.

We always sit outside in the back area. The large fans keep it from being too hot in the summer time, and it’s just such a cool patio area.

They’re located at… well, 4th street! Specifically, the corner of N 4th Street and A1A (aka N. Orlando Avenue).

View their Website | Map

2. Florida Fresh Grill

In Florida we love our fresh seafood, and no one serves it up better than Florida Fresh Grill. This is a dinner-only location that’s nice enough for date night, but casual enough for a family get-together. My favorite dish here is the Corvina, a light and flaky fish that’s mild but delicious.

For those that don’t care for seafood, they also have amazing steaks and a couple of other non-fish entrees that I haven’t tried. Wine, cocktails, and beer are available, and you simply have to save room for dessert. Might I suggest the key lime pie?!

The wait staff needs to be mentioned here too. They are absolutely fabulous, professionals in every aspect. We’ve only ever experienced amazing service at Florida Fresh Grill.

Located in the Publix shopping center that’s just south of the big surf shops. Their address is 2039 N Atlantic Ave. Don’t let the strip mall location fool you; it’s absolutely worth a visit!

View their Website | Map

3. Rising Tide Tap and Table

If you want to spend time in the port (Port Canaveral, that is, just north of and adjacent to Cocoa Beach), then you have lots of choices. None are bad, but many of them are similar to each other. Not Rising Tide, though – they truly stand apart, and in the best ways possible.

First of all, during happy hour, they have unique and delicious munchies at great prices, such as pimiento cheese and crackers, and chicharrons. The shishi peppers are tasty and especially fun in a group setting, because only some of them are hot – but when you get a hot one, you’ll know it! There’s no way to tell which ones have the most kick except just to try it.

Their beer menu is extensive, featuring local crafts, international favorites, and more. And of course, they have amazing cocktails and a great selection of wine, too.

For an entrée, you can’t beat the filet and fingerlings. The taste and presentation are both top notch, and the potatoes and broccolini are almost as good as the steak itself. We also like the belly burger and the fun-guy flatbread pizza. Their daily specials are always spot on, too.

Located in the Port, at 523 Glen Cheek Dr, Port Canaveral.

Visit their Website | Map

4. Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster

Jazzy’s is one of our favorite places to eat in Cocoa Beach because it’s unique. Many times if you choose lobster in a Florida restaurant, you’ll get Florida lobster. They’re different from “real” Maine lobsters, as Florida lobsters don’t have claws and they do have long spiky antennae. Now before I start a riot, I will say that both are quite good! But when nothing but Maine lobster will do, it’s time to visit Jazzy’s.

Jazzy’s is casual, in tune to the beach lifestyle and perfect for vacationers. We love their lobster rolls, and you can get an entire lobster as well, if you’ve got the appetite! Other shellfish offerings include calamari, snow crab legs, clams, oysters, and much more. They have fresh fish, too, including mahi and tuna. There are even a few non-seafood choices for people who prefer it. And parents will appreciate their kids’ menu choices.

They also have a seafood market, if you’d rather buy fresh ingredients and make your own dishes at home (or your vacation accommodation of choice!)

Located at 210 N. Orlando Avenue.

Visit their Website | Map

5. The Fat Snook

The Fat Snook is our go-to anniversary dinner restaurant! It’s a true treat for foodies, with special ambiance and some of the most amazing food I’ve had anywhere. Treat yourself to a multiple-course menu with their delightful options.

Of course, there are always specials, and I tend to lean towards those for something different. However, from the main menu, the seared scallops are incredible. The fish entrée is always good and unexpected, but if you don’t like fish, the grilled duck is to die for! For dessert, you must try the bananas foster if available.

Located at 2464 S Atlantic Ave.

Visit their Website | Map

6. Zarrella’s Italian

There are Italian restaurants actually in Cocoa Beach, but in our experience they’ve been hit-or-miss. So our suggestion for Italian – including pizza – is a short drive north on A1A to Port Canaveral. Just past the pink elephant (part of a putt putt course) you’ll find Zarrella’s.

Zarrella’s is great for both their wood-fired pizza and, at dinner, their more traditional entrees. My personal favorite is the chicken piccata, while my husband almost always chooses the veal parmesan. There are also weekly and nightly specials to choose from. For appetizers, the fried mozzarella (a square, not cheese sticks) and the fried calamari are equally delicious choices.

They also have beer, wine, and cocktails. While I’m on this subject, you’ll find Dragonpoint IPA at Zarrella’s and at a lot of the restaurants around Cocoa Beach. It’s a really good IPA beer from Intracoastal Brewing in nearby Melbourne. If you like IPAs, be sure to give this one a shot!

Zarrella’s is located at 8801 Astronaut Blvd #103, Cape Canaveral

Visit their Website | Map

7. Long Doggers

Long Doggers is a casual indoor/outdoor chain across Brevard County. The one in Cocoa Beach is located on the Causeway just west of The Dinosaur Store. They have good food and drinks, and all of their locations are popular among locals.

Long Doggers is based on a surfing theme, so if you’ve spent your day on the water and want to stick with the theme, come here! You’ll find many of their dishes named accordingly. The décor features surfboards and you’ll even find surfing competitions on the TVs much of the time. If you’re visiting Cocoa Beach for the surfing lifestyle, then this is the perfect compliment. It’s also great for families.

I really like their summer salad, tico pico bowl, and Florida Rueben, which is made with fried grouper instead of corned beef. The actually have quite an extensive hot dog menu. The clam strips are delicious, but keep in mind that they use cornmeal breading – if you don’t like that, shy away from offerings like their fish-n-chips. (Which is otherwise delicious, so if you like cornmeal breading, go for it!)

Most Long Doggers have only beer and wine, but the Cocoa Beach location also has mixed liquor drinks, including “buckets” that you can take to the beach.

There’s a large section of kids meal offerings (found under “Groms”, slang for kids who surf or skateboard). Plus, kids get a free frozen treat after lunch or dinner. Adults get Jolly Ranchers, so be prepared to fight over the watermelon-flavored ones.

Located at 350 W Cocoa Beach Causeway (Highway 520)

Visit their Website | Map

Conclusion

If you’re coming to Cocoa Beach for your Florida vacation, then you’ve got a ton of choices for where to eat. This post only covers a few of the many Cocoa Beach restaurants found in or near the town, but in our opinions these are some of the best. It won’t be hard to find something that offers meal options for your entire party.

You’ll notice we don’t mention anything at the Cocoa Beach pier. In our opinion, the pier is overpriced for what you get, especially when you add in the high cost of parking. However, it can be fun if you’re looking for a bar to drink and hang out, and especially if you’re staying close enough to walk.

Be sure to check out our suggestions for things to do in Cocoa Beach, too!